Rev. Dr. Leroy Wadlington

Dr. LeRoy Wadlington was born July 20,1951, in Taylor, Lafayette County, Mississippi, to Ina Mae Wadlington and the Late Ira B. Wadlington. He accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior on Friday, August 23, 1961, and joined Clear Creek Missionary Baptist Church in Oxford, Mississippi. He began his educational career at the Weems Elementary School and matriculated through Central High School where he graduated in 1969.

Dr. Wadlington learned how to appreciate hard work from working in the fields and given instructions under the tutelage of his father and mother who were sharecroppers on how to succeed in life. These lessons were designed to help sustain the family until other opportunities were available.

Dr. Wadlington was employed with the United States District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi for 21 years. He served as the first African- American in the Clerks’ Division of the United States District Court within the 5th Circuit. He retired in June 1996.
Dr. Wadlington continued his education at the Northwest Junior College in Senatobia, Mississippi, and after two years received his Associate Degree in electrical engineering. He went on to complete his bachelor’s degree at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wisconsin. He furthered his educational pursuits by taking additional classes that were designed to further his knowledge in ministry. They were: Biblical Studies with a bachelor’s degree from the W. Herbert Brewster Theological Institute, Memphis, Tennessee; a Master of Arts degree in Pastoral Ministry from Southern Baptist Seminary, Nashville, Tennessee; and a Doctor of Divinity Degree from the New Millennium Baptist College, Charlotte, North Carolina.
Having been very active in the affairs of the Oxford, Lafayette County and University of Mississippi communities, Dr. Wadlington received numerous awards for his efforts. He served as Dean and Moderator of the Tallahatchie-Oxford District Association, Oxford, Mississippi; President of the New Educational State Convention of Mississippi; and Pastor of Second Missionary Baptist Church of Oxford, for 22 years. Earlier in his ministry, Dr. Wadlington served as Pastor of New Enon Baptist Church, Water Valley, Mississippi, and as Associate Pastor of Samuel Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, Ashland, Mississippi.
Dr. Wadlington received numerous awards and accolades during his lifetime for his commitment and dedication to all mankind. He had no problems going above and beyond the call of duty to help those in need.

Dr. Wadlington became the proud Pastor of Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, Indianapolis, Indiana and began serving this congregation in February 2006. Upon his arrival in Indianapolis, he continued his community service as a member of the United Northwest Area Association and Indianapolis’ Ten-Point Coalition. He became a member and sub-committee chair of the Indianapolis Racial and Cultural Reconciliation League. He served as Chairman of the Board of Not 2 Believers like Us – a faith-based advocacy group against family and domestic violence. In 2011, Dr. Wadlington served as treasurer of the National Baptist Congress Host Committee of Indiana – organizing and welcoming the 2011 convention to Indianapolis. In 2012, Dr. Wadlington led Pilgrim as an organizing member of IndyCAN (Indianapolis Congregation Action Network) — a grassroots community organizing organization. In addition, Dr. Wadlington served as a Mid-West Board Member for the National Baptist Congress.
Dr. Wadlington resigned as Pastor of Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church on February 28, 2022, due to health reasons.
Dr. Wadlington met and married the Love of his life, Pearlie Wilson on February 19, 1972, and to this union four Children were born: Hiram, Lemont, LeCresha and LaKesha Wadlington, to whom he dedicated his life and love.
Dr. Wadlington is preceded in death by his Grandparents, Ora Jones and Thomas Jones; Ben Wadlington and Susie Mae Wadlington; his Father, Ira B. Wadlington; and youngest Brother, Alvin Wadlington.
Dr. Wadlington leaves to cherish his memories, His Loving Wife, Pearlie W. Wadlington of Indianapolis, Indiana; His Mother, Ina Mae Wadlington; Two Sons, Hiram (Keyshanda); and Trevor Lemont (Kendra); Two Daughters, LeCresha (Que); and LaKesha all of Oxford, MS; nine Grandchildren, three Great-Grandchildren; three brothers, Wilbur Wadlington of Oxford, MS; Jerry Wadlington (Joyce) of Racine Wisconsin; and Horace Wadlington (Loretta) of Tupelo, MS; one Aunt, Altha Mae Vaughn; and a host of Nieces, Nephews, other relatives and friends.